Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
746. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health if there is a specific policy within her Department that seeks to preclude those elected to local authorities from any boards that she may appoint; the rationale behind any such policy; the way in which it aligns with encouraging participation in local government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52857/26]
View answerThere is no policy that prevents local authority members from being appointed to boards under the Department of Health. Appointments are made in line with the relevant legislation and the Government’s Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
Candidates are assessed on the skills, experience and competencies required for the role. Membership of a local authority does not disqualify a person from appointment, and councilors may also serve where legislation or nomination arrangements provide for this, including on boards such as St. James’s and Beaumont Hospital.
